# round up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/round-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

To find and gather a group of people or things together in one place. You use this when you need to collect everyone for a task or event.

For teachers: To collect or gather together people, animals, or items that are scattered. Transitive; the particle 'up' indicates completion or the formation of a single group.

## Examples

- The teacher rounds up the students after the break.
- The rancher had to round up the cattle before the storm arrived late in the afternoon.
- After the unexpected announcement, security personnel were instructed to round up all remaining visitors and escort them toward the main exit.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The police rounded up them." but "The police rounded them up." — When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- This verb usually takes a plural object representing people or animals that are spread out.
- Teaching tip: Use the image of a cowboy gathering cows to help students remember the 'gathering from a distance' nuance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.